RIP: Dennis Hopper 1936 - 2010

The Queen and I

Iranian writer and director Nahid Persson Sarvestani makes a revealing documentary about Iran's former Queen, the reclusive Farah Diba. The filmmaker who reveals she was anti Shah and marched to throw down the monarchy sets out to interview the Queen regarding her reign but finds out she has more common with her than against. It's the bond between the two women that makes this documentary utterly compelling. Even the Queen lives in luxury in her exile, she's never-the-less a tragic and sad figure that makes her human and even more sympathetic than the protagonist with a dubious mission. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Billu

Indian writer and director Priyadarshan is one the most prolific directors who works successfully within the Bollywood system and outside of it. So it's no surprise he delivered one on the most satisfying films from recent Bollywood films which is undergoing major changes since the global attention has altered its course. The story of rural barber, Billu, who's happily married with kids but stands for financial ruin. When a movie stars arrives in the village for a film, the whole area is excited specially since he was once Billu's friend before he became famous. The attention puts pressure on Billu who's worried that his friend might not recognize him and cause him further problems. Priyadarshan makes a compelling film about Bollywood cinema which seems more and more out of touch from rural India. Terrific performance by Irrfan Khan along with outstanding support from Shahrukh Khan, Om Puri and other Bollywood stars make this film a joy for the heart and the mind. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Taken

Hollywood made in France thanks to super mogul Luc Besson who co-wrote and produced while Pierre Morel directed this action packed thriller about a former CIA agent who has 96 hours to find his kidnapped daughter before disappears for ever in the hands of Eastern European slave traders. What makes this Hollywood formula thriller work is the fast and no-nonsense pacing along with action sequences. The overqualified Liam Neeson stars as the agent along with Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace as his estranged wife and daughter. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

This Is It

The definitive film about Michael Jackson which focuses on the talent instead of the controversies of his private life. Director Kenny Ortega made a compelling film about the artist who prepared for his last tour before his shocking death. For the first time ever Michael Jackson is shown behind the scenes who was a consummate artist and one of the greatest musicians of all time. Several of his classic hit are shown in rehearsal of what could have been his comeback. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Hangover

American director Todd Phillips delivers his best film with this outrageous comedy that's also the definitive film about Las Vegas. Four friends set out to celebrate a bachelor party in the city of sins with dire consequences for all. After one bad hangover and lot of questions that includes a tiger and a baby, the three remaining friends have to find the missing groom before his impending wedding. Cleverly written and executed with a winning cast makes this comedy standout among the others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD

The Misfortunates

Belgian writer and director Felix Van Groeningen made a bittersweet film with this coming of age story about a boy who grows up in an abusive and dysfunctional family. The story of Gunther Strobbe who's at loss with his family which is hold together by his grandmother who barely controls her sons, each more problematic than the other. Gunther is given a chance to walk away from his family but he refuses because it's his family after all which makes it a heartbreaking conflict for child to grow up in an abusive environment where the adults are the immature ones. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Festival de Cannes 1990-2010